updated 01:26 pm EDT, Wed May 2, 2012

Pebble watch to ship with native RunKeeper app

The RunKeeper app has become the first official partner for the Kickstarter record-setting Pebble watch. The companion device will communicate with iOS and Android phones over Bluetooth to deliver information on its tiny screen. RunKeeper is a fitness app, and the new deal will let users track their run data without pulling out their handsets.

The deal means all production versions of the Pebble watch will have RunKeeper integrated as a native app. The Pebble project reached nearly $8 million in user donations, setting various records and milestones on its way.

Finally, RunKeeper believes it will be a few months before the Pebble reaches production and its first customers sometime this fall.

The watch promises to bring with it a small e-paper display will show incoming caller IDs, e-mail notifications, weather and calendar alerts, as well as Facebook and Twitter information.